NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that the team wants its star defensive lineman to sign a deal that he's happy with, according to sources familiar with the team's thinking.

Rapoport was told the Lions are willing to allow Suh to explore free agency next offseason in order to gauge his market value. Detroit would rather know the behemoth's asking price rather than have Suh sign a deal deemed as team-friendly. In essence, the Lions don't want their star player to agree to a pact that he'll regret down the road.

Lions president Tom Lewand told reporters Monday that the front office has tabled talks with the three-time All-Pro tackle until after the 2014 season. General manager Martin Mayhew made it clear Monday that Detroit ended negotiations, not Suh.

The defender has insisted that he wants to remain with the Lions, but Detroit's leverage with Suh is at an all-time low.